Sharp, dressed in grey jogging bottoms and a grey jumper, made no reaction but the victim's sister, Emma, sat in the public gallery just yards from the dock, did not take her eyes off the defendant throughout the 50 minute hearing.

A post mortem carried out on human remains found on the banks of the River Dee in Higher Ferry, Chester last Friday have been identified as being Catherine Gowing’s.

This is the second discovery of human remains in the area. A week ago remains were also discovered in Sealand and were confirmed as being those of the missing woman.

Catherine Gowing disappeared on Friday 12th October when she was sighted on CCTV leaving Asda Supermarket in Queensferry. A 46-year-old Gwynedd man, Clive Sharp has been charged with her murder and is due to appear in court again next month

Police searching for the missing vet Catherine Gowing say they have found human remains. Officers from the North Wales Police Search Teams and the Regional Underwater Search Team say they made the discovery in Sealand, Flintshire.

Following information received by members of the public, recent searches have focused on fields in Manor Road, Sealand. Yesterday search team officers discovered human remains in a shallow pool within the field known locally as the “Lum”.

At this time those remains have yet to be formally identified as this will require medical as well as forensic examination. A post mortem is planned for later today.

Catherine Gowing’s family have been informed of this distressing development and clearly our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

– Senior Investigating Officer DCI Mark Pierce

Catherine Gowing has not been seen since approximately 8.40pm on Friday 12th October 2012 when she was sighted on CCTV leaving Asda Supermarket in Queensferry. Since that time 46 year old Clive Sharp has been charged with her murder.